Tips for Gym and Outdoor Junkies How to Kick Your Bad Habits

Everyone, even you, has their bad habits. But we’re not here to judge you, we’re here to help. Here’s some tips on how to kick bad health habits.

Habit: No Days Off

How to Fix It: Rest and Regeneration

Fitness experts and doctors alike cite that your rest days are just as important as your workout days. Depending on the intensity of your workout, you should have at least one full day to recover before working those muscles again. But you don’t have to spend your entire day on the couch. Regenerative activities, like gentle yoga or Tai Chi, for example, can not only help you decompress any built up stress you might have. Plus gentle yoga and/or Tai Chi allows you to stretch your overworked muscles. If you’re new to yoga or tai Chi, consider joining a group led session at a gym to learn the basics of the fundamental poses.

Habit: Overdoing It With Supplements

How to Fix It: Whole Foods

Sure, you might think that there’s no harm in taking your daily multi-vitamin, after all, it’s good for your health, right? It might not be. Some studies have shown that we already might be getting the right amount of nutrients from our diets, without the help of vitamins. If you’re popping handfuls of vitamins and mixing up supplements, use caution. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, too many dietary supplements may actually increase your chances of getting cancer.

Supplements can be helpful if your are taking them properly and making sure they are not filled with toxins. If you have certain health issues or know you are lacking in specific nutrients then supplements can be extremely helpful. To make sure you are eating the healthiest foods — choose whole foods that are organic.  Real foods can give you all the nutrients you need. From oranges to spinach, your daily nutrients can be found in your fridge, not just in a little bottle. So use caution when taking supplements!

Habit: Overworking Sore Muscles

How to Fix It: Foam Rolling

Again, it’s easy to get caught up in your workout regime, from two-a-days to non-stop everyday workout sessions. However, you should know that you’re not doing your body any favors by pushing yourself to your limits day in and day out. In addition to taking some time away from the gym to rest you should be working on your muscles, but not in the way that you might think. Athletes can benefit from regular foam rolling. Whether you’ve suffered an injury or if you’re totally healthy, foam rolling can increase the flexibility of your muscles, helping you perform your best and it can help you recover from injury.

Habit: Skipping Happy Hour

How to Fix It: Bring Along Your Friends

While you may be dedicated to living an active, outdoor lifestyle, not everyone, including your close friends and family, will understand. However, it’s important to live a healthy and balanced life. So now that you have learned how to kick your bad health habits and plan to take some time away from the gym,  Make sure your mountain bike and the trails are scheduled  so you can spend some time with the people who matter to you most. If you find yourself constantly skipping post-work happy hours for a sweat session, or if you’re missing family gatherings to explore a new trail, consider inviting your friends and family members on an adventure. Not only will you be able to spend some quality time together, chatting and bonding over your experience, but you won’t be subject to sipping cocktails or sampling foods that don’t quite fit into your diet plan. Who knows, you might even inspire your peers to take up an active and healthy lifestyle.

How do you keep your life healthy and balanced?

About the author

Marla

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Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!